6-Hour Offshore Islamorada Fishing Trip in FL
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
6hour offshore fishing targeting sailfish, wahoo, and mahimahiCaptain Kevin leads morning trips from 8am to 2pmMaximum 4 guests, recommended for ages 8 and above
Captain Kevin's 6-hour offshore fishing adventure puts you right in the heart of some of Florida's most productive big game waters. Starting at 8 a.m. sharp and wrapping up around 2 p.m., this isn't your typical half-day charter – we're heading out to the deep blue where the real heavyweights live. Fair warning: this trip moves fast and targets serious fish, so Captain Kevin suggests leaving the little ones under eight at home. With just four anglers max, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of room to work when that sailfish comes up hot behind the spread.
This charter runs like a well-oiled machine from the moment you step aboard. We're not messing around with inshore stuff – we're burning straight to the offshore grounds where sailfish, wahoo, and mahi-mahi patrol the current edges and weed lines. Captain Kevin knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got years of reading the conditions to put you on fish. The boat's rigged with top-notch tackle and outriggers, so you can focus on the fight instead of worrying about gear failure. Expect to cover some serious water as we hunt down temperature breaks, floating debris, and bird activity that signals feeding fish below. The pace stays aggressive all day because we're chasing pelagic species that move with the current and bait schools.
Captain Kevin runs a classic offshore spread with a mix of ballyhoo, artificial lures, and teasers designed to pull fish up from the depths. We'll be trolling at varying speeds depending on what we're targeting – slower for sailfish and mahi, faster when we're looking for wahoo. The boat's equipped with quality Penn and Shimano reels spooled with heavy mono and fluorocarbon leaders that can handle these fish when they decide to get nasty. You don't need to bring your own gear unless you've got something special you want to use. The captain provides everything from the rods to the tackle box, plus he'll rig fresh baits and swap out lures based on what's working. Circle hooks are the standard here, which means better hookup ratios and easier releases when we catch a fish that needs to swim another day.
Mahi-mahi, or dorado as some folks call them, are absolute dynamite on the end of a line. These fish hit hard, jump like crazy, and put on a show that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. They run anywhere from schoolie size up to hefty bulls pushing 40 pounds, with the bigger fish typically hanging solo or in small groups. Mahi love floating debris, weed lines, and structure, so we're always scanning the water for anything that looks fishy. Spring through fall is prime time, but Islamorada's warm waters keep them around most of the year. What makes mahi special is their willingness to eat just about anything you throw at them, plus they're fantastic table fare if you decide to keep a few for dinner.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of scorching line off your reel at 50+ mph when they decide to make a run. These torpedo-shaped predators cruise the deep water drop-offs and current edges, ambushing baitfish with lightning-fast strikes. A decent wahoo will go 20-40 pounds, with the occasional monster pushing 60 or more. They're notorious for their razor-sharp teeth that can slice through wire leader like butter, which is why Captain Kevin uses quality steel trace when we're targeting them specifically. Winter months tend to be best for wahoo around Islamorada, but they're unpredictable fish that can show up anytime. The meat is white, flaky, and mild – perfect for the grill.
Atlantic sailfish are the crown jewel of South Florida offshore fishing, and for good reason. These magnificent fish are pure poetry in motion when they come up behind the baits with their sails flared and colors lit up like neon signs. A typical sail runs 6-8 feet long and 40-80 pounds of pure adrenaline. They're famous for their acrobatic jumps and long runs that test both angler skill and equipment. Sailfish feed primarily on small fish like ballyhoo, pilchards, and sardines, which is why our spread mimics these baitfish so closely. Peak season runs from December through April, but don't count them out during summer months when conditions are right. Most anglers choose to release these incredible fish, and Captain Kevin is experienced in proper release techniques to ensure they swim away healthy.
Captain Kevin's 6-hour offshore charter delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for – a no-nonsense fishing trip targeting trophy species in some of the world's best big game waters. With only four spots available, you're getting personalized service and plenty of opportunities to get on the rod when fish are hooked. This isn't a leisurely sightseeing cruise; it's a legitimate offshore fishing adventure designed to put you on sailfish, wahoo, and mahi-mahi. The 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. schedule gives you the prime morning bite plus enough time to work different areas as conditions change throughout the day. Don't wait too long to book – quality captains with this kind of local knowledge fill up fast, especially during peak fishing seasons.
Captain Kevin's 30-foot Jupiter center console is built for serious offshore fishing in the Florida Keys waters. This fast, stable platform gets you to the productive fishing grounds around Islamorada quickly and keeps you comfortable while battling sailfish, wahoo, and mahi-mahi. The boat's equipped with GPS navigation, radar for those cloudy mornings, and a fish finder to locate schools and structure where the big fish hunt. You'll have a private head onboard for the 6-hour journey from 8 AM to 2 PM. The center console design gives all four anglers plenty of room to move around when fish are running, and the boat's stability means you can focus on your fight instead of keeping your balance. This isn't a trip for kids under 8 - you'll be covering water fast and targeting serious gamefish that require experienced hands and strong arms to land.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the ultimate gamefish - that massive dorsal fin and lightning speed make them unforgettable. Most run 6-8 feet long, averaging 40-60 pounds with that iconic sail they flash when excited. We target them in 80-200 feet over the reef edge and drop-offs where they hunt baitfish. Winter months, December through March, are prime time when they stack up off our coast. The thrill is in the fight - multiple jumps, long runs, and that sail lighting up electric blue. They're mostly catch-and-release, but the battle is what brings people back. My tip: when teasing one up, wait for it to fully commit to the bait before setting the hook. Patience pays off with these magnificent fish.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are probably the most colorful fish you'll catch out here - bright gold sides with electric blue and green that shift like a light show when they come out of the water. We typically find them around 15-30 pounds, though they can push 40+ pounds. They love hanging under floating debris, weed lines, and anything drifting on the surface in 100-400 feet of water. Peak season runs April through September when the water's warm. What makes mahi special is they're aggressive feeders, great fighters, and absolutely fantastic eating - firm white meat that's perfect on the grill. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your eyes open for others nearby since they usually travel in small schools.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the deep - hitting 50+ mph and fighting like a freight train with razor-sharp teeth. Most run 20-50 pounds but can reach 100+ pounds. We find them in open blue water from 60-200 feet, often around structure or temperature breaks. They're abundant here July through November when conditions are right. What guests love is the screaming runs and multiple jumps - pure adrenaline. Plus, wahoo makes some of the best eating you'll find - mild, flaky white meat that's perfect for fish tacos. Here's the key: troll fast at 12-15 knots with wire leaders since they'll slice through anything else. When one hits, hold on tight because the first run will test your drag settings.
Islamorada